FOOTBALL'S most pointless game takes place on Saturday when Morocco and Croatia meet in the World Cup third and fourth place play-off.
Both countries were deflated in the semi-finals when Croatia ran out of gas and were picked off by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.
And Morocco's famously stingy defence was breached early on by the French and despite throwing everything at them in search of what proved to be a fruitless equaliser, they got picked off and conceded a second goal.
Although both countries will be massively disappointed of course, they both punched hugely above their weight. For a country like Croatia to reach a final and then a semi-final in succession is incredible.
And the Atlas Lions have wowed the world with their football and flown the flag well and truly for African football.
But for punters, this is a minefield because teams usually play the men who haven't seen a lot of action and there's always the nagging suspicion that no one really cares who wins.
It's been a feature at the World Cup since 1954 however and isn't going anywhere.
How the bookies view it
Croatia are 127/100 favourites with Morocco 97/50 outsiders. The draw is 47/20.
Recent head to heads
Added to the general apathy about this game is the fact the nations have already met in a truly horrific goalless draw in the first game in the group stages.
Players to watch
This will surely be Luka Modric's farewell game at the World Cup Finals and the Real Madrid magician is 99/20 to mark it with a goal on Saturday.
Morocco ace Youssef En-Nesyri netted the only goal against Portugal in the quarter-finals and the Sevilla striker is 47/20 to score in this game.
Anything else catch the eye?
Morocco have said they are determined to return home with a medal and can end a spectacular World Cup with a win here which they look overpriced to do so.
They were the better side for long spells against France and deservedly beat Portugal too. Unlike Croatia, this is new to them and it's hard to see why the Balkan nation would lift their game having reached the final the last time.
Croatia looked like age had caught up with them against Argentina and they would prefer to be elsewhere.
Despite that stinking game in the group stages, there are usually goals in these encounters with the pressure off.
In fact, ten of the last 11 games at the third and fourth place play-offs have seen over 2.5 goals and plenty have had more. The exception was Belgium's 2-0 win over England in Russia four years ago.
So the 41/50 with Highbet on three goals or more should come in.
This World Cup match between Croatia and Morocco will be played on Dec 17, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Croatia vs Morocco prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
